Tag Archive: shell

Hot tub cleaning and maintenance is easy, and even better, most of the duties only need to happen a few times a year. One of the simplest, yet important, cleaning routines is draining and cleaning the shell of your hot tub. Over time, the shell can accumulate scum lines, scale lines, and mineral deposits, depending on your water chemistry. By draining your hot tub and cleaning off the shell, you can help guarantee that your hot tub will last for many years.

Let your hot tub shell dry out as much as possible. Once most of the water has dissipated, take a dry towel and wipe down the shell to absorb any remaining water. You’ll want the shell as dry as possible so you can use your cleaning products to their highest potential.

You’ll probably need to stand inside the hot tub, to do so, take off your shoes and use a clean pair of socks. You don’t want any unwanted dirt getting inside your tub.

Next, use ThermoSpas All Purpose Cleaner. This is a great cleaning product that can be used on your shell’s surface when it is drained, and even on the surface of the shell above the water line when it is filled. Simply spray your shell with the cleaner and wipe clean. For more stubborn areas of deposits, allow ThermoSpas All Purpose Cleaner to remain on the area for 5 minutes then scrub and rinse with water. Best of all, because it is a natural enzyme, the cleaner will not affect your water’s chemistry, so using it when your hot tub is drained, or when it’s filled, won’t cause any need for alarm.

It’s a good idea to put some special attention to your jet fixtures. This is where the high powered water is pushed out of the shell to massage your every muscle. It’s important to make sure no scum or mineral deposits get in the way of these powerful jets. To clean, we recommend dampening your rag with ThermoSpas All Purpose Cleaner and working your hand around the jet. You could also use a small brush (a toothbrush does the trick) to clear out the crevices of the jet. Make sure to be gentle on the jet and surface with any kind of brush though as to not scratch or damage the area.

Just like waxing a car, next you’ll want to apply a polish that will help protect your hot tub shell by providing a luxurious, durable coating that won’t affect the chemistry of your water. We recommend ThermoSpas own Thermo Gloss. An innovative silicone based polish that will bond to the acrylic surface of your hot tub. Use a small amount on a clean rag, and rub it onto an area of your hot tub shell. Let the Thermo Gloss sit for ten minutes, then wipe clean with a separate rag. The result is a beautiful and shining shell that will help prevent scum lines and keep your hot tub looking brand new.

Cleaning your hot tub shell is as simple as that. No need for overdoing it, and with cleaning only needed every few months, you won’t feel like this is a harrowing chore at all. Instead, it will feel good to give your hot tub a clean start with a shine that glimmers like the first day you bought it.

For more questions on cleaning your hot tub shell, visit the maintenance section of our blog. If you’re interested in purchasing your own hot tub, contact ThermoSpas today, we’d be happy to help.

It’s often debated as to what is the most important part of your hot tub. While some say the filter, and others say the heater and pump, we tend to believe that it is your hot tub shell. Why? Because your hot tub shell is one of the only elements of your hot tub that you can’t replace. If a pump or a filter isn’t working properly, then you can call a technician and they’ll swap your equipment out for new pieces. However, when it comes to a hot tub shell, you have one shot at getting it right. If you choose a hot tub shell made of faulty materials, you can be in a lot of trouble a few years down the road. That’s why we’d like to help and give you what you need to know about hot tub shells to make a wise investment.

What A Hot Tub Shell is Made From

Most importantly, when it comes to hot tub shells, the material it’s made from is key. The material needs to be comfortable to touch and sit on while providing the insulation needed to keep your hot tub water warm and to use energy efficiently. As well, it must be strong enough to withstand years of use along with keeping it’s luxurious shine that helps keep your hot tub looking clean and fresh. Here are a few of the most used materials for hot tub shells:

Composite Acrylics

Gelcoat and OAS plastic are two common materials used for hot tub shells. Though they are durable materials, they are quite susceptible to fading and aging. While they may last particularly long, the fading of the shell can make your hot tub look years older than it really is.

Vinyl Liner

We advise against investing in any hot tub shell that’s constructed merely of vinyl liner. Though usually more affordable, the vinyl liners are easily damaged and often require repair in only a few short years. No more does the saying, “you get what you pay for,” ring true with hot tubs and their shells. While it may seem like a more affordable option at first, the maintenance and repairs of vinyl liners end up costing you more in the long run.

Continuous Cast Acrylic (CCA)

CCA is a extremely strong material that can withstand extreme temperature changes. Highly resistant to cracking from extensive use and stress, CCA is the best choice for hot tub shells. It’s a non-porous material which makes it easy to clean, and with UV inhibitors that prevent color fading, the shell shines like new for years. ThermoSpas only uses CCA when manufacturing their hot tub shells.

Along with CCA, ThermoSpas has also formulated the ThermoBonding process which is able to keep your shell in top condition for over 20 years. We’re so confident of it, we offer an industry leading 20 year warranty on our shells.

More Than Just a Shell

When looking for the right hot tub shell, you need to research more than just the shell. Underneath the shell, you must be ensured that you have proper insulation to keep the heat where it should be. Here are the additional steps ThermoSpas takes to guarantee a fabulous hot tub shell.

Specialized Acrylic Forming: When creating a hot tub, there are several ways to piece together the entire shell. ThermoSpas uses state of the art machinery to create a uniform thickness that helps distribute heat efficiently.

Fiberglass Matting: Along with your shell, you’ll want an underneath matting that can help prevent air bubbles from forming that lead to larger issues. a Fiberglass matting procedure is the best way to secure the underside of your hot tub, especially in the hard to reach areas of a tub.

Vinyl Ester Resin Coat: the Resin coat ensures that the matting stays adhered to the acrylic without blasting of wearing over time.

Fiberglass Resin Composite: Last, we use a ThermoBond resin to provide a structural sound and extremely strong last layer to the shell. This makes ThermoSpas shells stronger than industry standard.

Invest in the Future

When it comes to hot tub shells, do your research and purchase carefully. There’s no point in spending less money now which will require costly maintenance and repairs later. Invest in the future, and find a hot tub shell that will last for generations. If you have any more questions about hot tub shells or ThermoSpas wide selection of hot tubs, do not hesitate to contact us today, we’d be happy to help.

Keeping your hot tub clean does not have to be a daunting task. If you are staying on top of your chemicals and have an efficient high-quality cover, cleaning your spa can be easier than cleaning your car!

Below is a guideline on what needs to be cleaned and when, along with additional resources and how to’s on spa maintenance.

Filters

Depending on how much you use your spa, filters should be cleaned in a filter cleaning solution every 1-3 weeks. You should never go more than one month without cleaning your filters.

If you notice build-up and grime on your filters, and if the pleats look worn; it’s time to replace the them.

A well maintained filter can last up to 18 months before needing to be replaced.

Shell

Give your shell a deep cleaning every time you drain your spa, which is about 3-4 times a year.

In between cleanings, use an all purpose cleaner to wipe the shell surface just above the waterline. This will keep water lines away and make cleaning your shell easier. Be sure to use a hot tub cleaner that won’t interfere with your chemistry.

Investing in a good cover and keeping your water clean are ways you can preserve your hot tub shell and make cleaning time a breeze.